Texas has a long and deep tradition of Hispanic culture, and this week, HUD's Lubbock Field Office celebrated that culture, cultural diversity and contributions Hispanics have made to Texas and the nation in a special Hispanic Heritage Month event.

The opening festivities - a traditional Mexican dinner - were light-hearted, but there was an appropriate time to look back at darker days. District Judge Samuel Medina was the guest speaker: he spoke of his father as a hero, but recounted unpleasant events as his family struggled with discrimination as they assimilated into the new and uncertain American culture. Frank T. Arredondo, Operations Specialist, highlighted many of the contributions made by Hispanics, and a little known fact that Hispanics have a higher percentage of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients than any group - 38 - with other nominations still under consideration.

Left: Miguel C. Rincon, Lubbock FOD; Judge Samuel Medina, guest, speaker; Jay Ibarra, Congressman Larry Combest's office; Frank T. Arredondo. Right: HUD FPM Mahon Hispanic Planning Committee.

More than 150 participants representing all 27 federal agencies housed in Lubbock's Mahon Federal Building took part, as well as Congressional staff from Larry Combest's office, and even the local media. The event included entertainment provided by Amistad, who performed a rendition of "Estas Son Las Mananitas" - generally signifying rebirth and commitment. Hispanic employees of nine federal agencies hosted this successful event.

Federal employees and friends enjoy the festivities: in all, Federal employees representing 27 agencies joined in the celebration and feasted on traditional Mexican cuisine.